FAQ

Is Gran Fondo NJ a timed cycling event?

Gran Fondo NJ encourages cyclists of all levels to participate. We want to allow cyclists of all abilities to challenge themselves. This is why we offer "timed climb" format. The Gran Fondo provides plenty of competitive challenge for those seeking it while maintaining rider safety.

Gran Fondo NJ's format allows Teams and Clubs to ride as a group along the route, and save the competition to the timed hill climbs.

If you want to pick up a packet for another participant you must bring a copy of their photo ID (e.g. Drivers license) and a letter (e.g. e-mail) from them authorizing you to pick up their packet.

Sunday, September 8, 2018

5:00 AM Opening of Start Area & Packet Pick-up
6:00 - 7:00 AM Participants gather in their starting areas
6:30 AM Opening Ceremonies, and National Anthem
7:00 AM Mass Start
10:00 AM Finish Line Expo and Festivities Begin
4:30 PM Award Ceremonies
5:00 PM Close of the Course
6:00 PM End of Finish Line Expo and Festivities
NOTE: Prior to the start, riders will gather in starting corrals according their ride speeds, with the fastest at the front.

Can I get a refund if I can't make it to the Gran Fondo?

The entry fee is non-refundable and there are no deferrals. However, you can transfer your registration to another person at any time prior to packet pick-up. You are responsible for finding the other rider - the recipient must register through Eventbrite.com.

There is a $40 transfer fee to cover the administrative costs of the transfer. All transfers must be processed through Eventbrite.com or at Packet Pick-up.

On-line execution of transfers closes on August 24, 2019. Any transfers after that date must be executed during packet pick-up for a fee of $45.00.

Once packets are picked up, they are non-transferrable. To request information regarding a transfer, please click on the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.

Is there a minimum age for participants?

The minimum age for participants is 13 years old - these courses are challenging and demanding. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times while on the route, and must have their registration form and waiver signed by their legal parent or guardian.

What type of bikes are allowed at the Gran Fondo?

We suggest that you use a road bike, as it is the best option to ride in groups. Its light weight makes climbing easier (and there are plenty of climbs). You can also ride a mountain bike, touring bike, hybrid bike, single speed (with two brakes), or a recumbent. If you are using a tri-bike or a bike equipped with aerobars during the event, you must have your hands on the brake levers when riding on a group.

Fixed gear bikes are not permitted on the ride.

If you choose to ride as a tandem, both riders have to register as individuals for the event. Tandems are not eligible for KOM/QOM prizes.

Is Gran Fondo NJ a race?

Gran Fondo NJ is an endurance challenge, not a race. There are no awards or recognition for being the first to arrive at the finish line. All riders are encouraged to challenge themselves on the climbs. At the rest of the time, take your time to enjoy the wonderful routes and rest stops we have mapped out for you. All riders will be awarded a finisher's medal at the end of the ride.

The four timed climbs of the Gran Fondo, three timed climbs for the MiGran(e) Fondo, two timed climbs for the Medio Fondo, and one timed climb for the Piccolo Fondo count towards the King and Queen of Mountain competition.

You will see signage before each of the timed climbs telling you how far it is to the start mat, before the end of each timed climb telling you how far it is to the finish mat and a sign marking the half way point (by distance, not altitude) of each climb. Once you cross over the timing mat at the bottom of each timed climb, your time starts running until you cross the timing mat at the top of that climb.

These are the only sections of the route where “the clock is running” – We encourage all riders to ride with caution and safety in mind at all times, regardless of where they are on the route as our roads are not closed to automobile traffic.

We have specifically chosen this Gran Fondo "format" because we believe that it offers the best balance between providing a competitive challenge to all our participants and rider safety.

What are the categories for King and Queen of the mountain?

The cumulative time of each of the timed climbs will determine winners for each of the categories of the King of the Mountains (KOM) or Queen of the Mountains (QOM) at Gran Fondo NJ.

The KoM and QoM will be awarded as follows for each of the Gran, Migrane, Medio and Piccolo Routes

11:00 AM - PICCOLO
12:00 PM - MEDIO
1:00 PM - MIGRANE
2:00 PM - GRAN
3:00 PM - ESTREMO
(you do not have to finish the course by that time, just the last climb of your route).

The Breve Fondo route is non-competitive.

What is in the Gran Fondo rider's packet?

Each rider packet contains:

the rider’s “Bib” with the rider number printed on it, (Used as ID for you throughout the event)
a Wrist ID band with rider’s Bib Number and the Command Center number printed on it, (Used as ID for the Bike Corral and for the end of ride BBQ)
a Bike ID band with rider’s Bib Number printed on it, (Used en route and in the bike corral at the end)
a Baggage ID band with rider’s Bib Number printed on it, (Used if you want to check baggage at the bike corral during the event)

Where and when is packet pick up?

Packet pick up is only possible at the following times and locations, no exceptions.

During Packet Pick-up on the Friday and Saturday park in the Hotel Parking. Make sure to bring your parking ticket with you to get it validated for free parking.

In keeping with our theme of sustainability, we will not have traditional goodie bags, but will be issuing web-based “Good e-Bags” to all participants.

Can somone pick up the rider packet for me?

Yes - someone else may pick up your packet, packet, provided that they have a copy of your photo ID (Passport, Driver's license, etc.), and a letter (e-mail) from you indicating that they are authorized to pick up your packet.

What do I have to wear?

All riders must:

have their BIB number pinned to the back of their clothing,
have the wrist ID around their wrist, and the bike ID around their bike
Keep your wristband on for post-event festivities.
Helmets with buckled chin straps must be worn at all times.
Headphones of any kind are not allowed.

Where do I park?

Please check the GranFondoNJ.com website in the weeks prior to the event where we will publish parking locations. We will also send out an e-mail to all registered riders with information shortly before the event. We will have free parking underneath Headquarters Plaza - to take advantage of this, Participants must have their parking ticket validated at the Gran Fondo NJ Tent prior to returning to their cars.

How can I ride for a charity?

One of our objectives is giving back to our communities. In keeping with this objective you can use the event to fundraise for any charity of your choice. You can sign up to fund raise as part of the registration process.

We highly encourage you to ride for a cause, any cause, especially one of our five beneficiaries, The Seeing Eye; Raritan Headwaters; Homeless Solutions, The New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League, and New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. You can create your own fundraising page through https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/gran-fondo-nj-2019 to manage your fundraising activities.

Does Gran Fondo start rain or shine?

Yes within reason, Gran Fondo NJ will be held rain or shine, but not in the event of serious inclement weather (e.g. Hurricanes)! There will be no refunds or deferrals as a result of bad weather.

Gran Fondo NJ reserves the right to cancel or defer the event at its sole discretion.

How do riders line up at the mass start?

For 2019 we will be having a staged “Mass Start” based on the rider's average riding speed, with the faster riders at the front.
All riders are encouraged to gather at the start area by 6:30 A.M. and participate in the Opening Ceremonies.
For safety reasons, riders are encouraged to “self sort” by riding speed, regardless of their distance groupings, with the faster riders going out first – please note that we will have competitive national-level bike riders who can average 25+ mph participating, and many very strong riders who will average 20+mph for the entire route, so self sort accordingly.
Apart from that, it doesn't matter where you start. However, to allow as little interference as possible, we encourage beginner and slower riders to line up at the back of the start. With this you will be able to ride your own pace unobstructed.

Opening Ceremonies: After the singing of the National Anthem, our Grand Marshal will open the event with a brief speech and a ceremonial lap around the Green prior to the official start.

Are the roads closed for traffic?

No, except for a limited time at the immediate start area, all roads will be open to regular traffic.

There will be police controlling traffic at major intersections along the route.

At all times riders must obey all traffic laws and ride on the right hand side of the street. Riders must follow the instructions of police officers, course marshalls and volunteers to avoid disqualification.

Is there a minimum speed?

ou can ride the pace you want, but are required to ride safely and within your capabilities at all times.

The cut-off for completing the distance is 5pm which means you have 10 hours for the ride. Estremo riders must average a minimum of 15 mph to make the route closure at 11 AM at mile 60. For all other routes, this equals to approximately 10 mph for the Gran Fondo, 7.5 mph for the Migrane, 6.5 mph for the Medio Fondo and 4 mph for the Piccolo Fondo including all rest stops. A “Sweep Vehicle” will sweep the ride accordingly. Participants who get passed by the “Sweep Vehicle” can either get a ride or will be riding outside the event.

Please note that the Post-Ride Food Festival and Expo will close at 5PM.

Piccolo, Medio, Migrane, Gran and Estremo Fondo Riders:

There will be a cut-off at the Breve Fondo Branch off at mile 9.5 - all Piccolo, Medio, Migrane Gran and Estremo Fondo riders who arrive there after 10:30 am will be directed right onto Mountain Avenue to finish the course on the Breve Fondo route. This cut-off ensures rider safety and is enforced by the police and local municipalities.

Medio, Migrane, Gran and Estremo Fondo Riders:

There will be a cut-off at the Piccolo Fondo Branch off at mile 20.8 - all Medio Migrane Gran and Estremo Fondo riders who arrive there after 10:30 am will be directed straight on Main Street to finish the course on the Piccolo Fondo route. This cut-off ensures rider safety and is enforced by the police and local municipalities.

Migrane, Gran and Estremo Fondo Riders:

There will be a cut-off at the Medio Fondo Branch off at mile 33.1 - all Migrane, Gran and Estremo Fondo riders who arrive there after 11:30 A.M. will be directed right onto Main Street to finish the course on the Medio Fondo route. NOTE: The Gran and Estremo Routes close at mile 40 at 11 AM. This cut-off ensures rider safety and is enforced by the police and local municipalities.

Gran and Estremo Fondo Riders:

There will be a cut-off at the Migrane Fondo Branch off at mile 40.7 - all Gran and Estremo riders who arrive there after 11:00 A.M. will be directed right onto Route 31 to finish the course on the Migrane Fondo route. This cut–off ensures rider safety and is enforced by the police and local municipalities.

Gran and
There will be a cut-off at the Gran Fondo Branch off at mile 59.9 - all Estremo riders who arrive there after 11:00 A.M. will be directed to finish the course on the Gran Fondo route. This cut–off ensures rider safety and is enforced by the police and local municipalities.

If I have a bicycle mechanical issue, what do I do?

Firstly, move out of the path of fellow cyclists and off to the side of the route. We highly encourage all participants to know basic safety and repair skills, including in particular fixing a flat tire. Be prepared and bring your own pump or CO2 cartridges and extra tubes for your bike. If you can fix the issue yourself, move off the course and proceed with your repairs. If a SAG or support vehicle is passing by, indicate to them that assistance is not required by extending one arm in the air with a “Thumbs up”.

However, if you are still unable to make the repair, you can dial the number printed on your wrist band for assistance. If necessary, a SAG wagon will take you to a rest stop where mechanical support may be available, or to the finish line. Please note that the wait for assistance and/or a ride to the nearest rest stop can be long and by waiting, you run the risk of not being allowed to finish the event.

If I need a medical service, what do I do?

If you or a fellow rider is experiencing a medical trauma or emergency, dial 911, and report your exact location using the cue sheet as a guide, then if you have the opportunity dial the contact number found on your wrist band, and report in to the Command Center.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be on call. Police officers will be controlling traffic at certain intersections and volunteers will be guiding athletes for turns at some intersections. If you need help, inform a police officer or ride official on the course and they will get help to you (or someone else) as quickly as possible and stay with you until help arrives.

If I can't finish, what do I do?

SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles will be staged at various points along the route for any cyclists who are unable to finish the event.

Try to make it to the next Rest Stop en route, where you will have food, water, emergency medical services as well as volunteers to keep you company.

If you are unable to ride to a Rest Stop, there will be SAG vehicles patrolling the route to pick you up. If you are unable to ride, move off the road and wait along the shoulder of the road until a marshall or support vehicle comes by, they will be on the lookout for stopped cyclists – to signal a SAG wagon or support vehicle, hold both arms in the air with a “Thumbs down”. If you are riding and you see a cyclist on the side of the road who asks for help, if you can do so safely, stop and assist them, if not report to a SAG wagon or Rest Stop Volunteer that you saw a stopped cyclist and their approximate location. You can also call the number printed on your wrist band to request assistance.

Can I switch to a shorter route?

Yes, you can always choose to opt for a shorter route and our results will automatically be adjusted to the event which you completed.

Can I switch to a longer route?

These are challenging courses and apart from the timed hill climbs, they have lots of other climbing in them. If you feel that your training regimen is progressing to the point where you are comfortable riding a more challenging distance, you can upgrade your registration, for a fee, to either the Piccolo, Medio, Migrane or Gran Fondo. If you end up riding a longer event than the one for which you registered, your results will be held until the $40.00 upgrade fee has been paid ($55.00 after on-line registration has closed). There are no exceptions to this.